¿New to Medicare?
TYPE 1 DIABETES: NAVIGATING LIFE WITH RESILIENCE AND HOPE
5500
Countdown to Election Day: Who Will Win the Race to the White House?
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election heats up, the nation finds itself at a crossroads with two candidates presenting distinct visions for the future:
Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, and former President Donald Trump for the Republican Party. Both candidates bring to the table competing strategies for tackling critical issues such as the economy, foreign policy, social justice, and climate change. The outcome of this race will not only shape U.S. policies but will also have significant implications on the country’s unity, role on the global stage, and domestic progress.
Economic Visions: Two Paths to Prosperity
Economic policy is central to both campaigns, especially given the inflationary pressures and economic recovery needs following the pandemic. Harris proposes an agenda aimed at strengthening the middle class through investment in education, healthcare, and clean energy. She advocates for policies that prioritize job growth in new industries, seeking to drive inclusive, sustainable growth that benefits a broad segment of Americans.
In contrast, Trump is focused on reviving the economic policies of his previous administration, promoting tax cuts, deregulation, and incentives for business owners. He argues that
reducing government intervention will spur innovation and job creation, appealing to those who prioritize free-market policies. Trump also emphasizes a return to “America First” policies, especially in trade, aiming to make the U.S. more self-sufficient and protect American industries from foreign competition.
Foreign Policy and National Security
On the foreign policy front, Harris has committed to re-engaging the U.S. with its allies and working through multilateral channels to address issues like climate change and international security. Her approach is rooted in diplomacy and collaboration, focusing on partnerships with allies to counterbalance global powers like China and Russia.
Trump, on the other hand, favors a more isolationist strategy, echoing his 2016 and 2020 stances. He has promised to limit U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and reconsider long-standing alliances, emphasizing national interests over international cooperation. Trump’s foreign policy stance resonates with voters who feel that the U.S. should reduce its global commitments, yet it raises concerns among those who see the U.S.’s global alliances as crucial to maintaining balance and stability worldwide.
Domestic Issues and Social Divides
Social policy is another significant area where the candidates diverge. Harris has championed progressive policies, focusing on expanding healthcare access, reforming criminal justice, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Her platform seeks to address systemic inequalities and create a more inclusive society, aligning with those who want to see reforms to improve social equity.
Conversely, Trump’s approach emphasizes conservative values and individual
freedoms, advocating for parental control in education, the right to bear arms, and limited government involvement in social issues. Trump’s stance appeals to voters who prioritize traditional values and are concerned about what they see as overreach by progressive policies.
What’s at Stake for America?
The decision facing American voters is more than a choice between two candidates; it is a choice between two fundamentally different visions for the future of the country. Harris represents a vision of America that is globally engaged, inclusive, and proactive in addressing social inequities. Trump, on the other hand, appeals to those who feel disillusioned by progressive policies, seeking a return to a more self-reliant, tradition-focused nation.
Regardless of the outcome, this election underscores the profound polarization within the United States. As Harris and Trump make their final cases to the electorate, Americans are considering what kind of country they want for themselves and future generations.
BY
ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
Trump’s
antiimmigrant rhetoric: Will it boost or backfire with
Hispanic voters?
One of the biggest mysteries of the Nov. 5 elections is why Republican candidate Donald Trump — who insults undocumented migrants on a daily basis and has claimed that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” — has been gaining ground among Hispanic voters.
To be sure, Trump is far from leading in the polls among Hispanic voters, as he falsely claims all the time. But Trump has been gradually eroding the Democrats’ once massive support among Latinos nationwide, and expanding his lead in major sub-groups such as Cuban-Americans in South Florida.
A recent New York Times-Siena poll of Hispanic voters shows Trump is getting 37% of the Latino vote nationwide, while vice-president and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is winning 56% of the vote. A separate Pew Research Center poll shows a similar result, with Harris winning the
Hispanic vote by 57% to 39%.
But Trump has increased his margin of Latino support by about 9 percentage points since the 2016 elections, while Harris is getting about 12 percentage points fewer than what former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton got that year, polls show.
Harris campaign spokespeople say that perhaps they haven’t been fully successful in making sure that Latinos who don’t regularly follow the news are aware of Trump’s own statements dehumanizing immigrants and spouting racial hatred. And there should be much more awareness about Trump’s vow to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, which could entail indiscriminate arrests of Latinos on the streets, they say.
“We should be doing a much better job reminding the Hispanic community about this man’s conduct when he was president, his hate-mongering rhetoric, his claims that immigrants are the cause of this country’s problems, and his plan to carry out mass deportations,” Harris campaign spokeswoman Julissa Reynoso, a former U.S. ambassador to Spain, told me.
In the campaign’s closing days, the central theme of Trump’s campaign is his false claim that most undocumented immigrants are criminals, and that they have “invaded” this country. In fact, several studies have shown that unauthorized migrants on average commit fewer violent crimes than U.S.-born Americans, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol figures show that the number of unauthorized border crossings has plummeted by 70% this year.
“These people are animals,” Trump said at a Sept. 28 campaign rally. He claimed that “They make our criminals look like babies.”
Lashing out against immigrants for what he claimed are high crime rates, Trump said in an Oct. 7 interview with a right-wing radio host that “it’s in their genes...and we got a lot of bad genes in our country right now.”
Trump has been ramping up his anti-immigrant rhetoric since his 2016 campaign, when he famously claimed that Mexican immigrants “are bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people.”
Despite the fact that his claims about undocumented immigrants have been proven wrong, Trump has turned his anti-immigration crusade into his top campaign issue. He recently falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants are eating the dogs and cats of residents of Springfield, Ohio, despite the fact that Springfield police authorities, the city’s Republican mayor and Ohio’s Republican governor denied the former president’s assertion.
Ernesto Castañeda, head of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University, says that one of the reasons why so many Latinos support Trump is that they do not believe he is talking about them when he launches his tirades against immigrants.
“Some of them say, ‘He’s not talking about me. He’s talking about others, the bad immigrants. I’m a good immigrant,’” Castañeda told me. That’s a tricky proposition, he added, because once you legitimize
racial hatred against one ethnic group, you normalize hate against Jews, Muslims and all minorities.
In addition, many Latinos living in Republican districts are so eager to blend into their communities that they adopt their neighbors’ pro-Trump stands. Some Hispanics “believe that the best way to be accepted as Americans is to vote for Trump. They think that will increase their sense of belonging,” Castañeda told me.
Trump supporters say the rise in Latino support for the former president is because Hispanics fared better under Trump, although economic statistics don’t support that claim .
Hispanics are better off today than during the Trump years, most economic data show. The unemployment rate for Latinos has nearly fallen by half during Biden’s term, although that’s in part because the economy has recovered since the pandemic. Despite higher inflation in the first two years of the Biden administration, Latinos’ inflation-adjusted wages are higher today than during Trump’s years in office, a Poynter Institute study based on official data shows.
Trump has also tried to make the case that Latino immigrants are taking away jobs from long established Hispanics, but that’s another false claim. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there is a huge shortage of workers to fill jobs that Americans don’t want to do.
My own guess is that Trump’s rise among Hispanic voters — which is mainly taking place among men, according to the polls — may have something to do with some Latinos’ subconscious attraction to authoritarian leaders. Many may have a soft spot for “hombres fuertes,” or strong men, even if such leaders have often destroyed the countries they came from.
But perhaps the main reason for Trump’s gains among Hispanics is that the Democratic Party has taken the Latino vote for granted. Democrats know they will easily win major Hispanic population states such as California and New York, and that they will lose Florida and Texas. So they don’t spend much resources trying to court Hispanic voters, even if they could be a deciding factor in swing states such as Nevada or Arizona.
Unlike former President Barack Obama, who used to air campaign ads speaking in what sounded like fluent Spanish — even though he didn’t speak the language — you don’t see Harris or any of her potential Cabinet members do that today. And Trump has done a much better job than Harris wooing Cuban-American voters, for instance, who care deeply about their native country.
If the polls are right and more Latinos drift toward Trump, it will be a weird case of a growing minority of Hispanic voters embracing a candidate who regularly insults them and stokes racial hatred against them. Moreover, Trump has not done a thing to improve their economic situation. But that’s what charismatic populists do: they are great at convincing people to vote against their own interests.
Brownsville SPI International Airport Named Finalist For Accessible Airports Award
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) has been named a finalist for the prestigious Accessible Airports Award at the International Airport Review’s Airport Honour Awards. This recognition celebrates BRO’s outstanding achievements in excellence, innovation, and commitment to responsible development.
The Accessible Airport Award celebrates airports committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all passengers, no matter their needs.
As a non-hub airport, BRO’s inclusion as a finalist stands out, especially as it competes against major international airports such as Dubai Airport, London Stansted, Dallas Love Field, and Aeropuertos Argentina. This achievement underscores BRO’s growing reputation within the aviation industry and showcases the airport’s dedication to accessibility and customer service.
The award winners will be announced on November 13, 2024, during the International Airport Summit, marking a significant moment for BRO as it takes the global spotlight alongside the world’s leading airports.
The a national research — is serves
• 5-Star ment
• 5-Star
• 5-Star betic (2023-2025)
• 5-Star Attack
The ical Center’s deliver organization tals for to Healthgrades. Rene Knapp ratings ployees to providing to residents every
“The commitment ing our experience treating sonalized our clinical and every our community meet Anna Knapp 5-star
Knapp Medical Center Receives 5 Stars For Care Of Heart, Orthopedic & Diabetes Patients
Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, has been recognized for 5-star care of heart attack, diabetes, hip fracture, and gall bladder patients.
The recognition from Healthgrades — a national company which specializes in research and information about healthcare — is the latest accolade for Knapp, which serves as the only acute care hospital in the Mid-Valley area, with 227 beds.
Knapp Medical Center’s recognition includes the following:
• 5-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 13 Years in a Row (2013-2025)
• 5-Star Recipient for Gallbladder Removal Surgery for 11 Years in a Row (20152025)
• 5-Star Recipient for Treatment of Diabetic Emergencies for 3 Years in a Row (2023-2025)
• 5-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Attack for 2 Years in a Row (2024-2025)
The five-star ratings reflect Knapp Medical Center’s commitment to consistently deliver the best care possible and place the organization in the upper echelon of hospitals for specialty care nationwide, according to Healthgrades.
Rene Lopez, Chief Executive Officer at Knapp Medical Center, said Knapp’s 5-star ratings are a testament to the work of employees and physicians — who are dedicated to providing the highest-quality healthcare to residents of the Valley, every patient, every time.
“The 5-star ratings indicate the level of commitment our employees have in ensuring our patients receive the best healthcare experience possible,” Mr. Lopez said. “By treating each one of our patients with personalized attention and specialized care, our clinical and non-clinical staff prove each and every day that we are here to care for our community and that we are prepared to meet their healthcare needs.”
Anna Hinojosa, Chief Nursing Officer for Knapp Medical Center, said Knapp’s multiple 5-star ratings are demonstrable proof that
patients at the Weslaco hospital are receiving excellent care — and is an important tool for Rio Grande Valley residents to recognize when they weigh their healthcare options.
Knapp Medical Center’s achievements are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes. As part of its 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers in specialty care. By offering easy access to objective performance measures, Healthgrades helps consumers find and select a hospital that excels in providing the care they need
As variation in performance among hospitals continues to grow, it is increasingly important for consumers to seek care at top-rated programs. Healthgrades’ 2025 analysis revealed that if all hospitals as a group performed similarly to five-star hospitals during the 2021-2023 study period, on average, 224,958 lives could potentially have been saved and 141,692 complications could potentially have been avoided.*
“Healthgrades commends Knapp Medical Center for their clear commitment to delivering consistently superior patient outcomes in critical service areas, including hip fracture treatment, gallbladder removal surgery, treatment of diabetic emergencies, and treatment of heart attack,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. “Knapp Medical Center’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence set a high mark for specialty care in Texas and nationwide.”
In addition to the 5-star recognition from Healthgrades, Knapp Medical Center was one of only three hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley to receive an “A” grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare ratings organization. The other two hospitals receiving this highest possible grade were Knapp’s sister hospitals in Prime Healthcare, Mission Regional Medical Center and Harlingen Medical Center.
Consumers can visit www.healthgrades. com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality. Consumers can also access a patient-friendly overview of how Healthgrades rates hospitals and why hospital quality matters here.
For more information on award-winning hospital care in the Valley, please contact Knapp Medical Center at (956) 968-8567 or visit www.KnappMed.org and www. FaceBook.com/KnappMedicalCenter/.
*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2025 Specialty Awards and Ratings Methodology.
Health Experts Urge Residents To Get Flu And Covid-19 Vaccines
Withthe arrival of fall, local health authorities are reminding residents that it’s time to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Health officials emphasize that you can receive both vaccines together, and each is updated yearly to provide protection against the latest strains.
Dr. Chris Romero, Health Authority for the City of Brownsville, noted that flu season traditionally runs from fall through spring but can extend into the summer in the Rio Grande Valley. “The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated,” said Romero. “Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to prevent infection and minimize the risk of developing severe diseases.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone six months and older should receive the flu vaccine annually. Romero stressed that the young and elderly are particularly vulnerable due to changes in their immune systems over time. “People at the extremes of the age range, both very young and older individuals, have immune system changes that can
put them at risk for severe disease,” Romero explained. “Those with underlying health issues are also at greater risk.”
Residents are also encouraged to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine, which has been tailored to combat the most prevalent variant currently circulating in the community. “The COVID-19 vaccines that are on the market right now are covering the variant that’s most common in our area,” said Romero. “While vaccines may not prevent every infection, they can significantly reduce the severity of illness.”
Romero likened the effectiveness of vaccines to armor against disease. “The amount of protection we have from vaccinations to reduce the severity of infections—whether it’s from the COVID-19 virus or the influenza virus—is something we constantly research. But we know that both vaccines are effective in reducing the severity of illness, even if someone does come down with it,” he said.
Local health experts urge Brownsville residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date for optimal protection this fall.
Juan Luis de Bethencourt Duque Crowned Champion at Monterrey Collegiate Classic
Senior Juan Luis de Bethencourt Duque held on to his first day individual lead to be crowned champion at the Monterrey Collegiate Classic leading The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s golf team on Saturday at Club Campestre.
Duque finished his second round with a six-under 66 before posting a final round one-under par to finish with a three-round score of 203 for a one-shot victory. Duque’s 203 breaks Armen Kirakossian’s (2009) and Manuel Inman’s (1999) program record of 204. His first and second round six-under 66 are tied for sixth lowest individual round in program history.
Junior Luis Limón, who was playing as an individual, finished tied for 22nd with a three-round score of 214 after posting his second round of even par 72 and then following with a two-under 70. Junior Arthit Kruaprayong finished tied for 25th with a three-round score of 215 after finishing the second round with a two-under 70 and posting a final round 73.
Sophomore McAllen Memorial alum Esteban Gonzalez finished tied for 25th with a three-round score of 215 after finishing the second round with a two-under 70 and following with another 70 in the final round. Redshirt senior Taj Sutherland finished tied for 56th with a three-round score of 225 after finishing with an even par 72 and wrapping up with a final round 75. Sophomore Emilio Gil Leyva finished tied for 66th with a three-round score of 229 after finishing with a second round 79 and then posting a final round 76.
As team, the Vaqueros finished in fifth place with a three-round score of 854 after finishing with a second round 278, which is tied for the eighth lowest single round team score in program history, before following with a final round 289.
The Vaqueros have wrapped up their fall season and will be back in action in the spring. Their schedule will be announced at a later date.
Men’s Soccer Defeats California Baptist in Home Finale
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s soccer team picked up an impressive 2-0 victory Sunday in the home finale against the California Baptist (CBU) Lancers in a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) match at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
UTRGV (4-6-4, 2-2-3 WAC) didn’t waste any time putting its offense on display, taking a trio of good shots in the first 15 minutes of action. The Vaqueros used their speed and passing to create scoring opportunities and took the 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute. A throw-in created traffic in the box, and sophomore forward Keaviano Francis headed the ball into the net on a feed from junior defender Kimito Fritz, who got the assist. UTRGV outshot CBU 10-1 in the first half. The lone Lancers (4-6-5, 3-3-1 WAC) shot came in the 10th minute of action, then the Vaqueros defense and consistent offensive possession prevented the visiting squad from getting on a roll during the remaining time.
The Vaqueros continued to overpower the Lancers in the second half. They played fast, physical defense to stifle any offensive rhythm CBU tried to gather, holding the Lancers to two shots in the half and three overall.
Francis, Fritz, freshman midfielder Abel Ador, senior forward Jason Robles and others kept UTRGV’s offense pressing and in control. In the final five minutes, with the Lancers playing desperate for the equalizer, junior midfielder Cade Erickson forced a turnover that helped UTRGV put the match away. Possession flipped in favor of the Vaqueros, and McAllen native freshman forward Pablo Torre sent a long shot into the net to extend the lead to 2-0.
Francis finished the match with four shots, putting two on goal including one score. Ador had three shots as UTRGV outshot the Lancers 16-3. CBU keeper Hugo Do Rego recorded three saves.
UTRGV’s next match will be at Seattle U at 9 p.m. Thursday.
Spooky Halloween Night Ride
Baseball Set to Host Draft Party Ahead of Fall World Series Vipers 2024-25 Season Schedule
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) baseball team will host a draft party for fans on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Howling Rabbit before playing the Orange and Gray World Series Nov. 13-15 at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.
Fans at the draft party will have the opportunity to watch team captains choose their teams ahead of the world series. Howling Rabbit is located at 1200 Auburn Ave. in McAllen.
The first two games of the world series are set for Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. with the finale, which will be played regardless of the outcome of the first two games, on Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
overpower played offensive holding the three midfielder Abel and othand in with the equalizer, forced a match of the freshman shot into with four including one UTRGV outHugo Do Seattle U
The Orange and Gray World Series caps the fall competition season for the Vaqueros, a time which has featured practices and intrasquad games. The Vaqueros return to the field for practice in January ahead of the season opener in mid-February.
Date & Time:
Thursday, October 31, 2024
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Event Contact:
T.C. Riddle
Phone: (956) 584-9156, x234
Email: thomas.riddle@tpwd.texas.gov
Event Overview:
Join us for a thrilling night ride through the park! As darkness falls, explore the nocturnal world with our guided shuttle ride. You’ll have the chance to spot night creatures like snakes, spiders, scorpions, owls, and more. Keep your ears open for the haunting calls of coyotes, owls, and pauraques. It’s a spooky, educational adventure for all ages!
What to Bring:
Water
Flashlight (red light preferred)
Where to Meet: Park Headquarters, Tram Turnaround
Registration: Reservations are required. Registration opens on October 1st.
Cost:
$5 for ages 13 & older FREE for children 12 & under Park entry is free with a Texas State Park Pass
Accessibility: For more information on service animals and wheelchair accessibility, please contact the park.
Note:
Events may be canceled due to weather. Please contact the park for updates.
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League Affiliate of the Houston Rockets, announced the schedule for the Vipers 2024-25 season. The schedule features a total of 50 games, including 24 home games at Bert Ogden Arena, 24 games on the road and two games at the 2024 NBA G League Winter Showcase in Florida.
On Nov. 9 the Vipers tip-off the 2024-25 season with a matchup, at home, against the Memphis Hustle. This game will mark the start of the 16-game Tip-Off Tournament, which will culminate in a single-elimination tournament at the 2024 NBA G League Winter Showcase. Following the conclusion of showcase, the 34-game regular season will begin on Dec. 27 as the Vipers welcome the Santa Cruz Warriors to the Rio Grande Valley for a back-to-back series.
To begin the season in November, the Vipers will go on a four-game stretch against the Hustle (9th), Austin Spurs (12th) and back-to-back games against the Birmingham Squadron (14th and 15th). The Vipers will then go on the road to play three games against the Oklahoma City Blue (22nd) and Mexico City Capitanes (24th and 26th) before returning to the RGV on Nov. 30.
A Texas showdown will take place in December as the Vipers travel to Frisco to take on the Texas Legends in a back-to-back contest on the 6th and 7th. The Texas action continues on the 10th as the Spurs return to the Valley for the Vipers annual Kids’ Day game.
In January the Vipers will take on the Salt Lake City Stars (1st and 3rd), Oklahoma City Blue (7th and 9th), Iowa Wolves (11th), Spurs (17th and 20th), Mexico City (25th) and Sioux Falls (31st).
After four years of not playing one another, the Vipers will welcome the Cleveland Charge to the RGV for a twogame series on February 1st and 3rd. The battle of the Valley’s will happen on Feb. 13th as the Vipers travel to Arizona for a game against the Valley Suns. The Valley Suns enter the G League as the newest team in the Western Conference. The affiliate team of the Phoenix Suns will be based out of Tempe, Arizona and will play its home games at Mullett Arena. The Vipers will then go on the road to take on College Park on Feb. 28th and March 2nd. The last game between both opponents was in 2020.
The Vipers schedule will close in March with a total of 13 games (six road games and seven home games). The Vipers will close out the season with a back-to-back against the Stockton Kings on the 28th and 29th at home.
All home games will tip-off at 7:00 p.m. CST at the Bert Ogden Arena with the exception of the Kid’s Day game on Dec. 10 which is slated for an 11:00 a.m. CST tip-off time.
Type 1 Diabetes: Navigating Life with Resilience and Hope
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition. In this condition, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Different factors, such as genetics and some viruses, may cause type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults.
Even after a lot of research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment is directed toward managing the amount of sugar in the blood using insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications.
Symptoms
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:
• Feeling more thirsty than usual
• Urinating a lot
• Bed-wetting in children who have never wet the bed during the night
• Feeling very hungry
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling irritable or having other mood changes
• Feeling tired and weak
• Having blurry vision
When to see a doctor
Talk to your health care provider if you
notice any of the above symptoms in you or your child.
Causes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Usually, the body’s own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Other possible causes include:
• Genetics
• Exposure to viruses and other environmental factors
The role of insulin
Once a large number of islet cells are destroyed, the body will produce little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland behind and below the stomach (pancreas).
• The pancreas puts insulin into the bloodstream.
• Insulin travels through the body, allowing sugar to enter the cells.
• Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
• As the blood sugar level drops, the pancreas puts less insulin into the bloodstream.
The role of glucose
Glucose — a sugar — is a main source
of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.
• Glucose comes from two major sources: food and the liver.
• Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin.
• The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen.
• When glucose levels are low, such as when you haven’t eaten in a while, the liver breaks down the stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps glucose levels within a typical range.
In type 1 diabetes, there’s no insulin to let glucose into the cells. Because of this, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This can cause life-threatening complications.
Risk factors
Some factors that can raise your risk for type 1 diabetes include:
• Family history. Anyone with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a slightly higher risk of developing the condition.
• Genetics. Having certain genes increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
• Geography. The number of people who have type 1 diabetes tends to be higher as you travel away from the equator.
• Age. Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but it appears at two noticeable peaks. The first peak occurs in children between 4 and 7 years old. The second is in children between 10 and 14 years old.
Complications
Over time, type 1 diabetes complications can affect major organs in the body. These organs include the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Having a normal blood sugar level can lower the risk of many complications.
Diabetes complications can lead to disabilities or even threaten your life.
• Heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes increases the risk of some problems with the heart and blood vessels. These include coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy). Too much sugar in the blood can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that feed the nerves. This is especially
true in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain. This usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and spreads upward. Poorly controlled blood sugar could cause you to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs over time.
Damage to the nerves that affect the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, erectile dysfunction may be an issue.
• Kidney damage (nephropathy). The kidneys have millions of tiny blood vessels that keep waste from entering the blood. Diabetes can damage this system. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease that can’t be reversed. End-stage kidney disease needs to be treated with mechanical filtering of the kidneys (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.
• Eye damage. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina (part of the eye that senses light) (diabetic retinopathy). This could cause blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
• Foot damage. Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of some foot complications. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections. These infections may need to be treated with toe, foot or leg removal (amputation).
• Skin and mouth conditions. Diabetes may leave you more prone to infections of the skin and mouth. These include bacterial and fungal infections. Gum disease and dry mouth also are more likely.
• Pregnancy complications. High blood sugar levels can be dangerous for both the parent and the baby. The risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects increases when diabetes isn’t well-controlled. For the parent, diabetes increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic eye problems (retinopathy), pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
Prevention
There’s no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But researchers are working on preventing the disease or further damage of the islet cells in people who are newly diagnosed.
Ask your provider if you might be eligible for one of these clinical trials. It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any treatment available in a trial.
